Arts Funding

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:10): My question is to the Minister for Arts. Does the minister value the contribution made by the Festival Centre to South Australia's culture and economy? With your leave, and that of the house, sir, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: Documents released under FOI reveal that since the budget the government has reduced funding for the Festival Centre, from $18.1 million, in last year's operating grant as budgeted, to $14.5 million this year—a $3.6 million drop.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The minister has the call.

The Hon. A. MICHAELS (Enfield—Minister for Small and Family Business, Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, Minister for Arts) (15:10): In part, I reference my earlier answer, which was on the efficiency savings, but I actually think some of those figures involve funding that went to the Festival Centre while it was closed. I will come back to the member on specifics of that, but I don't—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Florey is called to order. The Treasurer is called to order. The member for Morialta has the call.